Hormone Health Hub: Expert Insights on Testing, Balance & Better Living — cortisol deficiency

Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands in response to physical, mental and emotional stress. While it plays a vital role in energy metabolism, immune function and cardiovascular health, both chronically high and chronically low cortisol levels can cause significant health problems — from fatigue, weight gain and sleep disorders to burnout and adrenal exhaustion. This article explains what cortisol is, what happens when it goes wrong, and why regular testing matters.

An estimated 80% of adults will experience some level of adrenal fatigue in their lifetime — yet it remains one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in modern medicine. When the adrenal glands are chronically overtaxed, cortisol output drops, leaving the body unable to manage stress, stabilise blood sugar or mount immune defences. This article explores the symptoms, causes and what you can do to identify and address adrenal fatigue through targeted hormone testing.